College Sports

SSU baseball honors

College — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:43:43 +0000

Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Capping a strong Sonoma State baseball campaign, four Seawolves earned postseason honors.

Leading the list were pitchers Harmen Sidhu and Glenn Wallace, one of the nation’s toughest one-two punches on the mound.

Sidhu was named First Team All-America, First Team All-West Region, and First Team All-Conference by the American Baseball Coaches Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. In going 10-1, the senior right-hander from Martinez posted a school and California Collegiate Athletic Association record earned run average of 0.98 to lead the nation. Sidhu struck out 93 batters in 82 plus innings and allowed just 47 hits.

The other half of the talented tandem Wallace was named First Team All-America and Pitcher of the Year for both the West Region and the CCAA. Wallace went 9-2 with a 1.19 earned run average, fifth best in the nation. The senior from Reno struck out 71 batters and walked only 12 in 98 innings, setting a school mark with just over a walk per nine innings of work.

Both pitchers finish atop the Sonoma State record books. Sidhu set the all-time career mark for both earned run average and opponent batting average with Wallace second in both categories.

A pair of position players made All-Conference teams.

Following a breakout season, junior outfielder Garrett Schwartz earned Second-Team CCAA honors with a team high 14 doubles and five home runs. Schwartz, from Salinas, batted .325 with 24 runs batted in and 23 runs scored.

Sonoma Valley high’s Steven Filippi made Honorable Mention CCAA for a second time. The former All-Empire standout batted .313 and led the Seawolves with 29 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. Filippi’s on base percentage of .434 was fifth in the conference. In his four years at Sonoma State the outfielder played 182 games, second most in Seawolves history.

Sonoma State made another deep playoff run, going 36-22 on the season and finishing third in the NCAA Division II West Regional Tournament.

SRJC baseball honors

College — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:24:21 +0000

Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

So good was Santa Rosa Junior College’s baseball team nearly the entire starting lineup earned post season honors.

Pitcher Jason Alexander was a Northern California All-American selection in addition to making First Team All Big 8 Conference. The All-Empire right hander from Cardinal Newman was second in the conference with 8 wins and fifth with a 1.69 earned run average.

Also making First Team All Big 8 Conference were: Pitchers Tyler Sanders, Rancho Cotate, second in the Big 8 with 6 saves; Brian Bynum, Loomis, second on the team for innings pitched; Outfielder Ryan Xepoleas, Loomis, team leader in hits; and infielder Brent Gillespie, Rancho Cotate, fourth in the conference with 33 runs batted in and tied for third with 3 home runs.

Second Team All Big 8 Conference honors went to: First baseman Anthony Sequeria, Petaluma high, team leader for runs batted in and doubles; infielder Nico Filice, Cardinal Newman, second on the team for batting average; and outfielder Siosi Poti, Rancho Cotate, third in the conference with 14 stolen bases.

Earning the Bear Cubs distinction in the classroom was Brandon Baranzini. The former All-Empire player from Montgomery high was an All-State Academic Team selection.

SRJC head coach Damon Neidlinger shared Big 8 coach of the year honors and was named the top skipper in Northern California.

Santa Rosa was the top ranked team in Northern California and reached the state final four.

SSU softball honors

College — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 01:05:14 +0000

Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Leading the Sonoma State softball team on another playoff run, four Seawolves earned NCAA Division II regional player honors.

Sonoma State ace Samantha Lipperd was selected to the All-West Region First Team by both Daktronics and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

The two-time California Collegiate Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year went 23-12 record and was fourth in the CCAA with a 2.01 earned run average. Lipperd, a senior from Boulder Creek, led the conference in strikeouts for the third consecutive season and her 1,090 career total tops the NCAA Division II record books for active players. She has 22 all-time, single-season and single-game pitching records.

Hayley Condon earned First Team Daktronics honors and made the coaches association Second Team. Condon, a junior from Santa Monica, was a standout utility player, batting .341 with eight doubles, two home runs and 20 runs batted in on the season. She was a perfect 11-11 in stolen base attempts.

Ali Palermo was a Second Team choice by both groups. The senior first baseman from Redwood City led Sonoma State’s offense batting .397 including a .726 slugging percentage and a .448 on-base percentage. Palermo holds the all-time and single-season records for home runs (37 career and 14 this season) and runs batted in (147 career and 56 this season).

Also making both Second Teams was Vanessa Currie. The senior outfielder from San Diego batted .369 – 82 points better than her previous best. Currie led the Seawolves with 16 doubles, and her 38 career doubles is tied for first in program history.

Sonoma State went 37-21 overall, making the NCAA tournament for the sixth time in seven seasons after finishing third in the CCAA. Falling in the West Regionals the Seawolves finished the season ranked fourth in the region.

SRJC softball honors

College — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:13:54 +0000

Posted By Press Democrat Staff Writer Michael Coit:

Santa Rosa Junior College’s strong softball season earned five players conference honors.

Named to the Big 8 Conference First Team were Courtney Lucchesi, Megan Stroud and Taylor Morga. Making the Second Team were Christina Pierce and Jenna Reed.

Lucchesi, a pitcher from Windsor high, was fifth in the conference in wins with 11, all but two complete games.

Morgan, an outfielder from Rancho Cotate, was third in the conference with 16 stolen bases,. She led Santa Rosa in both hitting at .417 and runs scored with 39.

Bear Cubs catcher Stroud, from Montgomery, batted .351 with 5 home runs and 30 runs batted in on the season.

Pierce, an infielder from Windsor high, had 7 home runs and 30 runs batted in and led Santa Rosa with 9 doubles.

Reed, another infielder from Windsor high, batted .368 with 8 doubles.

Santa Rosa finished 26-13-1 overall, finishing third in the Big 8. The Bear Cubs were ranked ninth in the final California Community College Fast Pitch Coaches Association Northern California poll.

Mendocino College placed three players on the Bay Valley Conference teams.

Abby Komin, an outfielder from Beaverton, Ore., was a first team selection.

Making the second team were Katy Smallcomb, an infielder from Ukiah high, and Jocelyn Hale, a utility player from Geyserville high.

Mendocino went 10-30 overall, finishing sixth in the Bay Valley.

Heller caps standouts SSU golf career

College — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:36:36 +0000

BY MICHAEL COIT

THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Passionate playing sports couldn’t get Spencer Heller onto her middle school volleyball, basketball or softball teams.

A weekend golfer, Heller took a keener interest in the game as a teen-ager. A wise choice as she developed into a college player, good enough to three times be named All-American at Sonoma State and contend for NCAA titles.

“I don’t think I had talent. I just had the work ethic,” Heller said. “It’s just cool to see that my hard work has paid off.”

Heller is appearing in her fourth consecutive NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships. Play begins today and continues through Saturday at LPGA International, a world class course in Daytona Beach, Fla.

“She can win it without a doubt,” said Sonoma State coach Val Verhunce.

Coming off a co-medalist finish at the women’s Super Region 4 Tournament, in Grand Junction, Colo., a week ago, Heller is calm and confident going into her final collegiate competition.

“The experiences I’ve had at these each year has just been really good,” said Heller, a soft spoken player who is tough to beat. “Everybody’s a good golfer. But unless you’re good on that day your just average.”

Better than good, Heller often has been great since joining the Sonoma State team.

The senior from Turlock has come a long way since those heartbreaking times as a teen-ager when she couldn’t make middle school teams.

“There were a lot of tears. It wasn’t easy,” Heller said. “Luckily I found another sport. I had golf all along, I just didn’t realize it.”

Determined to excel at a sport, Heller went from weekend golfer to practicing several days weekly. Summer junior’s tournaments challenged her to improve.

Most valuable player on the Turlock high team, Heller also earned all-conference and all-district honors.

Still, she wasn’t recruited, additional motivation on the golf course.

“If anyone calls themselves an athlete, they’re competitive. You just want to be ahead of the next person,” she said.

A great freshman season included earning Honorable Mention All-America honors following a tenth place finish in the NCAA Championship. Heller was Honorable Mention All-America again as a sophomore and placed 15^th at nationals. As a junior she was First-Team All-America with an eighth at nationals.

Another mark of consistency is Heller’s play in major tournaments. Medalist twice at NCAA Super Regionals, she has a pair of top ten finishes in the NCAA Championship.

“It’s all about endurance. You have to put yourself into a good position going into the last round,” she said.

At the Super Regional in Colorado, she lowered scores each day. Heller fought through wind on Monday and lightning delays on Tuesday in rising to the top of the leader board.

“It was just a tough course,” Verhunce said. “Being a more mature player she handled it well.”

Even more difficult is LPGA International. The par 72 layout features plenty of hazards as well as opportunities.

Staying out of trouble on fairways and around holes is Heller’s strength.

“The biggest part of my game is I get up and down pretty well,” she said.

Where she has improved most is driving distance. Focusing even more on strength training and conditioning ahead of this season, Heller is a more complete player.

While excited to be back in the NCAA Championship, she hoped the Sonoma State team also would have qualified. Sonoma State finished fifth out of nine at the Super Regional, better than expected, but two spots short of advancing.

“That showed a lot about our improvement. We had good team chemistry this year,” Heller said.

Next among Heller’s goals is qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, set for August, in Charleston, S.C.

Heller also has another semester of classes At Sonoma State after adding a business minor to her kinesiology major.

“I like to create higher goals for myself,” she said.

NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships

Today through Saturday

LPGA International, Daytona Beach, Fla.

Spencer Heller

Senior, Turlock

Three time All-American

Making fourth NCAA Championship appearance

Medalist twice at NCAA Super Regionals

Fun Fact

Spencer Heller attended the same Turlock elementary school as 49ers quarterback Colin Kapernick.

When she was a third grader one of Heller’s classmates had Kapernick as a sixth grade reading buddy.

JC golf: Santa Rosa finishes third at state

College — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:31:21 +0000

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A first-round lead in the state golf tournament evaporated during a challenging second round as Santa Rosa Junior College finished third Monday in Carmel.

Santa Rosa’s top four each shot par or better in a strong first 18 holes, giving the Bear Cubs a three-stroke lead. Playing a shorter, tighter layout in the afternoon, Santa Rosa couldn’t keep pace with the field and ended up 11 strokes behind champion College of the Canyons.

“We had it if we played our normal game. We could have walked away with some bigger hardware,” said Santa Rosa captain Nicholas Daniels, out of Windsor High School.

Making a third consecutive appearance at state, Santa Rosa was seeking the program’s first California Community College Athletic Association title. Third has been Santa Rosa’s best result.

Monday’s 36-hole tournament was played at Rancho Canada Golf Club, in Carmel. Opening on the East Course, the four-team field shot better than or near par with Santa Rosa three strokes in the lead.

The tougher West Course proved more difficult, particularly with winds picking up in the afternoon. Narrow fairways and stands of tall trees contributed to no team shooting par in the second round.

“We had some big numbers on some holes. That’s never good,” Daniels said.

Canyons, a three-time state champion, was consistent enough to hold off Orange Coast by three strokes and take home another title. Chabot finished fourth.

“The courses were completely different. But everybody had to play it,” said Santa Rosa coach Dave Herrington. “They did the best they could. I’m truly proud of the guys.”

Leading the Bear Cubs was Steven Staples with a 67 in the opening round, tied for low score. The freshman from Vacaville finished at 140, two shots below par and tied for fourth overall.

Going into state, low scorer on the team was Travis Evans, from Eureka. Evans shot 147 on Monday. Third on the day for Santa Rosa was Corey Ghiringhelli, from Casa Grande High School, with a 148.

Confident going into the tournament, Santa Rosa faced frustration as the Bear Cubs’ title hopes steadily faded during the second round.

“You just have to leave it all out on the course,” Ghiringhelli said. “But if you don’t have you’re ‘A’ game some of these courses can eat you up.”

Still, reaching state capped another strong year for Santa Rosa men’s golf. The Bear Cubs made the field after finishing second in the NorCal finals.

You can reach Staff Writer Michael Coit at 521-5470 or mike.coit@pressdemocrat.com.

JC golf: Bear Cubs confident heading to state finals

College — Thu, 16 May 2013 21:30:24 +0000

MONDAY
CCCAA Men’s Golf Championships
At Rancho Canada Golf Course, Carmel
Notable: This marks SRJC’s third consecutive state appearance

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

After a windy first round of the NorCal men’s golf finals, Santa Rosa Junior College was within range of another state championship appearance.

Yet rain and facing conference titlist Folsom Lake challenged Santa Rosa to hold on over the second round as the Bear Cubs would do on a long day in the Central Valley.

Back in the state junior college championships, Monday in Carmel, the Bear Cubs have been tested in the tough Big 8 Conference and over 36 holes at Nor Cal.

With a starting six deep enough each can be the team leader any given match, Santa Rosa goes in calm and confident.

“Now we’re moving on to the big stage. It will be tough, but we have a chance,” said Corey Ghiringhelli, out of Casa Grande High School.

Reaching the state finals has become an expectation for Santa Rosa. Yet in the Bear Cubs’ third consecutive appearance, Santa Rosa is seeking the program’s first California Community College Athletic Association championship. Santa Rosa’s best finish at state is third.

“We definitely felt we had the team to go back to state. Now we need to step up and play well,” said Nicolas Evans, the team captain from Windsor High School.

Santa Rosa’s strength is a deeply talented six who push one another. From top to bottom, each player has shot the best golf on the team only to move back in the pack during the season. All six made the Big 8 All-Conference team.

“It’s the work they do at practice. They give it everything they can,” said Santa Rosa coach Dave Herrington.

Finishing second to Folsom Lake in conference after winning the Big 8 the past two seasons, Santa Rosa was better with a state championship spot on the line, eliminating their conference rival at the NorCal finals.

While the teams were nearly even on the season, Santa Rosa was 14 strokes better as a team at Nor Cal.

Holding onto the second and final qualifying spot by one shot after round one at Diablo Grande Golf and Country Club, the Bear Cubs were steady over the final 18 holes to pull away.

“You can’t get really hyped up. You play aggressive and go for as many birdies as you can,” Ghiringhelli said.

Managing the long course in windy and rainy conditions kept Santa Rosa near enough to par on the day.

“The second round was more of a grind to get the job done,” Daniels said. “Chipping and putting — that determines the winners.”

Santa Rosa’s depth was reflected in the Nor Cal scoring. Daniels was sixth on the team, but earlier this season was the low scorer.

“I’ve been more consistent off tees. I’ve been hitting a lot of fairways this year,” Daniels said.

Scoring second lowest among the Bear Cubs was another sign Ghiringhelli has improved his approach for the college game. While driving has been a strength, he needed steadier putting.

“I’m putting more effort into it. I’m just trying to drill in the muscle memory,” Ghiringhelli said.

Both players credit competition in practice for the improvements.

“When I get on the course I feel I can do anything,” Ghiringhelli said.

Down in Carmel preparing for the pair of Rancho Canada Golf Course layouts, Santa Rosa’s players recognize they are among the four best junior college teams in California.

“Conference for us sure gets you ready,” Herrington said. “But you don’t want to peak out. Our guys are ready for state, looking forward to it.”

With a pair of players having experienced the state championships, Santa Rosa should be prepared. Daniels and Matt Etchell, from Healdsburg high, have learned how tight scores can be even after 36 holes. Santa Rosa finished third last year, just five strokes behind the winner.

“Just the experience of being there helped me be a better player,” Daniels said.

“It taught me to play smarter. Every shot counts.”

College golf: Sonoma State’s Ash heading to NCAA Division II Championships

College — Thu, 09 May 2013 23:52:21 +0000

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A career best tournament carried Sonoma State golfer Eric Ash into the NCAA Division II Men’s Championships as the Seawolves team finished back in the pack at the West/South Central Regional.

With only two spots for individuals from teams not qualifying for the national championships, Ash needed another sharp shooting day to advance. Ash shot a second consecutive round of better than par Wednesday to finish tied for the third lowest score over three days at The Home Course, in Dupont, Wash.

The sophomore from Loomis has been one of Sonoma State’s top players all season. He was at his best on this rolling, wide open course.

After opening with a 74, Ash shot 67 and finished with a round of 69 to secure a spot in the national championships May 20-24 at Hershey Country Club, in Hershey, Pa.

Ash paced a Sonoma State squad that tied for low team score in the third round. Despite also shooting well enough in round, the Seawolves couldn’t dig out of a deep hole following a poor opening day.

Sonoma State finished tied for 11th, moving up from 17th in the 20 team field. The top five teams advanced to the national championships.

Women’s golf: Sonoma State falls short of national cut

College — Thu, 09 May 2013 03:35:24 +0000

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Rain and wind challenged golfers at the NCAA Division II West Super Regional where Sonoma State’s women finished shy of qualifying for the national championships, but ace Spencer Heller moved on Tuesday.

Sonoma State fell one spot in the final round to finish fifth in the nine-team field at Tiara Rado Golf Course, in Grand Junction, Colo. The top three teams — St. Edwards, Grand Canyon and Tarleton State — advanced to the women’s national championships.

Also playing next week in Daytona Beach, Fla., will be Heller, one of three individuals moving on from teams that didn’t qualify for nationals. The championships are May 15-18 at the LPGA International course.

Heller tied for medalist honors at the super regional with Charlotte Jaengkit, of Grand Canyon. The senior from Turlock shot her best round of the tournament Tuesday to finish in the tie for low score over the three rounds.

Reaching the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships for the fourth time in as many seasons, Heller has a shot at the national title. Heller finished eighth a year ago, 15th as a sophomore and tenth as a freshman.

The Sonoma State team was in position to join Heller. But despite solid play, and having to wait during a lengthy rain delay, the Seawolves lost ground in the third round.

SSU Women’s Golf: On upswing on eve of regionals

College — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:33:39 +0000

By MICHAEL COIT
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

It’s been a rebuilding season for Sonoma State women’s golf. But the Seawolves have played well enough to reach regionals and look to continue to improve after an up-and-down campaign.

Sonoma State secured the ninth and final spot in the West Super Regional of the NCAA Division II Women’s Golf Championships. The top three teams and three individuals from other squads earn berths in the national tournament.

Sonoma State is familiar with the Tiara Rado Golf Course, having played a preview tournament at the course in Grand Junction, Colo. With better practice rounds in recent weeks, Sonoma State wants to put together three good days of golf.

“The girls are excited. It’s just a matter of getting our minds clear and focusing on the task at hand,” said coach Val Verhunce.

The primary goal at regionals, where a top-three finish will be difficult, is getting all five players scoring in the 70s. To accomplish that, Sonoma State must limit double bogeys that put players in deep holes. Erasing a double bogey on one hole often demands birdies on two holes.

Steady play eases mental highs and lows, particularly important in a tournament featuring some of the nation’s top teams.

“The physical games are there. The girls need to minimize mental and emotional mistakes,” Verhunce said.

Playing their best at regionals would be a strong finish to a challenging season. This season, Sonoma State brought in a handful of new players. Developing depth and putting together a solid scoring five, the Seawolves had several good results, but also finished well down the leader board in other tournaments.

Anchoring the Seawolves is three-time All-American Spencer Heller. The senior from Turlock has a first-, second-, and third-place finish in regional appearances and a pair of top-10 finishes in three trips to nationals.

Adding to a sharp all-around game this season has been Heller’s commitment to being a leader who offers tips and keeps teammates positive.

“She’s learned to have more fun when she plays,” Verhunce said. “Then she makes better decisions and shoots lower scores. She becomes a better teammate that way.”

The West Super Regional opens play today and continues through Tuesday.

The Sonoma State women are making their fifth appearance at regionals in the program’s six-year history. The best finishes are third at regionals and fifth at nationals.